2018 Ford Fusion recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Ford Fusion and 503 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (210), power train (117), engine and engine cooling (91). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–42 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2018 ranks #3 of 9 Fusion model years for fewest complaints (2012–2020), with fewer complaints than the average year (1,234). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 9.2 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Ford Fusion. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Steering · steering wheel/handle bar
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the engine made a bubbling sound after turning off the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an engine misfire was diagnosed, and a fuel odor was detected. The mechan…
My daughter was driving getting on the highway, went to accelerate and the car would no longer accelerate. AAMCO stated the internal pressure pump is failing and the transmission is losing pressure.
My 2018 Ford Fusion suffered a sudden and complete engine failure caused by internal coolant intrusion — coolant leaking into the cylinders and destroying the engine. Pep Boys diagnosed that the failure developed internally over time and could not have been avoided by the owner. This is a known Ford factory defect in the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, documented in Ford's own publicatio…
Safety ratings
2018 Ford Fusion 4 DR AWD
2018 Ford Fusion 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Ford Fusion.
Fusion AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Fusion AWD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 2.7 L · Turbo
Regular
Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular Gas and Electricity
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Fusion have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Ford Fusion, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (03/10/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Fusion?
Based on 503 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (210), power train (117), engine and engine cooling (91).
Is the 2018 Ford Fusion safe?
The 2018 Ford Fusion earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Ford Fusion?
The 2018 ranks #3 of 9 Fusion model years for fewest complaints (2012–2020), with fewer complaints than the average year (1,234). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 9.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Fusion get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Ford Fusion range from 20 to 42 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2018 Ford Fusion in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FUSION, FUSION HEV, Fusion.